Algebra 1 Techniques for Multistep Equations

Dr. Eaton will cover Techniques for Multi-Step Equations in this video lesson. You will first learn what they are and then the strategy for solving such equations. The lesson concludes with four comprehensive examples.

Couldn't it be written as (z/5)-(14/5) ? In this case, how would someone know that the division wasn't performed first?

ie: (10/5)-(15/5) equals both 2-3 which = -1 and (10-15)/5 which = -1

It seems that either order the problem is performed in this instance, that the result remains the same, so how would one know which order for the example 2? Could you also add (14/5) to both sides and get the same result?

1 answer

Last reply by: Dr Carleen EatonSun Oct 21, 2012 7:40 PM

Post by Jona Jameson October 12, 2012

on example 2 i know to get rid of the division you multiply 5 on both sides, and the ''5'' on the left side cancels out, while doing the math on the opposite side, but why?? why does the 5 on the left side cancel out? i memorize the rule but frustrating not knowing why, i think i know the answer i just forgot,,, thank you

1 answer

Last reply by: Dr Carleen EatonThu Aug 9, 2012 5:59 PM

Post by Nagayasu Toshitatsuon August 9, 2012

For example III, I think it would be easier if you set x as the middle number. Then, you would have (x-1)+(x)+(x+1)=66. You can take out the parentheses, and cancel out the ones. After that, you would get 3x=66, which immediately leads to the answer that x=22, and finding out the consecutive numbers. I think it would be easier that way.

1 answer

Last reply by: Dr Carleen EatonWed May 12, 2010 12:06 AM

Post by shah Mahmoodion April 17, 2010

Excellent, excellent I love it thank you so much Dr Carleen you me bless with your knowledge; I also found your video us full

Techniques for Multistep Equations

A multi-step equation contains more than one operation.

To solve such an equation, undo the operations in the reverse order in which they were performed in the equation. The last operation performed in the equation is the first one to be removed, using the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of equality.

In most equations, the last operation performed is an addition or subtraction. Therefore, begin by using these properties of equality. Then use the multiplication or division property of equality to isolate the variable.

Understand how to solve word problems involving consecutive numbers. Consecutive unknown numbers are called x and x + 1. Consecutive unknown even or odd numbers are called x and x + 2.

Techniques for Multistep Equations

3y - 11 = 37

3y - 11 + 11 = 37 + 11

3y = 48

y = 16

89 = 17 - 6x

89 - 17 = 17 - 6x - 17

72 = - 6x

12 = - x

- 12 = x

[(a − 7)/4] = 11

4( [(a − 7)/4] ) = 11(4)

a - 7 = 44

a - 7 + 7 = 44 + 7

a = 51

16 = [(45 − t)/3]

3(16) = ( [(45 − t)/3] )3

48 = 45 - t

48 - 45 = 45 - t - 45

3 = - t

- 3 = t

9 = [(17 + b)/5]

5(9) = ( [(17 + b)/5] )5

45 = 17 + b

45 - 17 = 17 + b - 17

28 = b

Three consecutive numbers have a sum of fifty - four. Find the numbers.

*These practice questions are only helpful when you work on them offline on a piece of paper and then use the solution steps function to check your answer.

Answer

Techniques for Multistep Equations

Lecture Slides are screen-captured images of important points in the lecture. Students can download and print out these lecture slide images to do practice problems as well as take notes while watching the lecture.